Senators Call for Increased Security Funding After Minnesota Shootings

Following the fatal shooting of Minnesota state legislator Melissa Hortman and her husband, as well as the wounding of state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, U.S. senators and congressional leaders are urgently calling for increased security funding to protect lawmakers amid rising threats and political violence. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, among others, have emphasized the need for a more systematic and better-coordinated security approach, highlighting that threats against elected officials have dramatically increased. A briefing held by Capitol Police and the Senate Sergeant at Arms detailed current protective measures and prompted bipartisan calls for more resources to safeguard members both in Washington and in their home districts. Despite available security services such as assessments and funds for residential security upgrades, some members reportedly underutilize these resources, complicating efforts to enhance safety without isolating legislators from their constituents. The incident has underscored concerns about heightened political rhetoric fueling violence and the challenge of balancing effective security with accessibility. Lawmakers are pushing for immediate and substantial funding increases to strengthen protections amid this growing trend of targeted political violence.